Septic Smart Week is an occasion to bring attention to the importance of homeowners maintaining septic systems. Otter Tail County Land and Resource Department and the University of Minnesota Onsite Sewage Treatment Program will offer a free event on Being Septic Smart.

The online webinar will be held in conjunction with Septic Smart Week on Tuesday, September 19, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. The Being Septic Smart training informs property owners of how septic systems work. Dr. Sara Heger of the Onsite Sewage Treatment Program at the University of Minnesota’s Water Resource Center and Land and Resource Director Chris LeClair will host the event.

Chris LeClair, advises, “A majority of residents in Otter Tail County have private septic systems and wells. I encourage property owners to learn how their septic system works and how to properly use and maintain it. This knowledge will lead to a longer life of the septic system and protect drinking and surface water long into the future. We look forward to seeing you at the webinar.”  

Septic systems are designed to last 20-30 years but can last longer depending on use, care, and maintenance. Being Septic Smart provides information that enables property owners to maximize their septic investment so their system can function during and beyond its design lifetime, with information that includes:

• How a septic system works.

• The purpose of the tank and drain field or mound. 

• The importance of clean water’s role played by the soil underneath the soil treatment system.

• How often the tank should be pumped.

• Whether additives are a good idea.

• How to prevent winter freeze-ups and much more.

The Being Septic Smart webinar is free; participants are asked to register for the event. Please register using this link: bit.ly/3sAIY2o or email growth@ottertailcounty.gov for the registration link.